Portfolio Manager (Finance)

The Portfolio Manager will have a result-oriented focus in planning and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives across our enterprise. They will partner with the Senior Director and collaborate with cross-functional teams-including the Business Enablement (BE) team of Business Systems Analysts (BSAs), business stakeholders, and technology teams-to drive measurable business outcomes. They will serve as a liaison and moderator, facilitating alignment, fostering collaboration, and driving consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.

The Portfolio Manager will be responsible for delivering initiatives that align with key strategic business priorities and ERP roadmap using a hybrid project management approach with Agile-heavy execution.

This is a high-visibility role requiring strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, especially within a complex food manufacturing environment.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a salary exempt position

Partner with the Senior Director to develop and maintain a strategic portfolio roadmap aligned with enterprise goals.

Lead cross-functional initiatives using a hybrid methodology-combining Agile execution (sprints, ceremonies, iterative delivery) with PMO-defined stage gates and controls.

Ensure alignment and integration with ongoing ERP initiatives (Oracle), supporting smooth transitions and minimal operational disruption.

Collaborate with the Business Engagement team of Business System Analysts and business stakeholders to define, prioritize, and execute business requirements.

Moderate discussions to resolve conflicts , build consensus, and ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Coordinate with operations , supply chain, procurement, finance, quality, and IT teams to align project outcomes with core business needs.

Facilitate sprint planning , reviews, and retrospectives while maintaining oversight of scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.

Monitor and manage risks , dependencies, and change requests across projects and programs.

Deliver clear, concise updates and executive-ready communications, dashboards, and reports.

Support training , change management, and post-launch adoption activities to ensure lasting success.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement by driving process maturity and portfolio management best practices.

Project Management: Responsible for all project management activities, project meeting facilitation, development and management of detailed project plans, charter development, accurate timeline development and management, gaining resource commitments, maintaining data in portfolio system of record, managing technical information flow, issue management and risk mitigation, managing project budget, stakeholder communication, status reporting, and ensuring deliverables are met on time. Ensures that proper organizational change management is incorporated into project plans which enables better business adoption of new processes and equipment. Demonstrates a working understanding of all project methodologies, engineering work, manufacturing processes. Interfaces 3rd party vendors and/or consultants to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget while meeting the business needs. Oversees planning and execution of user acceptance testing and training. Ensures business requirements are clearly documented. Recognizes and progresses the requirements to balance risk and cost appropriate for industry and regulating environment.

Leads the organization to accomplish quality performance and deliver on expectations regarding functionality, timeliness and cost in a manner that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Effectively monitors the execution, control, and reporting of projects. Advises on resource changes or additions to support projects.

Works closely with Engineering, IT and other teams . Provides leadership to ensure engineering and support teams work collaboratively with other business units, vendor and business teams ensuring development and adherence to Simmons standards, tracking metrics and continuous improvement standards.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues, e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Approximately 20% travel, including travel to Simmons facilities, one to two offsite classes or conferences per year. Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Technical Experience: 10+ years of experience in project/portfolio management, including Agile project execution. Experience working in or with food manufacturing or related industries (CPG, consumer goods, etc.). Strong familiarity with ERP environments and large system implementations. Proven ability to work across business and technical teams and influence at all organizational levels. Ability to provide leadership, governance, and strategic guidance to cross-functional teams. Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, IT, or a related field or 4 years' experience.

Preferred Education: Related Master's degree. Certification in Agile, Scrum, Project Management, PMP/PMI-ACP certification or a similar framework. Experience with JIRA, MS 365 suite, and other project management tools (e.g. Miro, Figma) is a plus.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.